Episode: 5 Santouka Ramen

Hokkaido Ramen Santouka

Location: 801 Kaheka St. Honolulu, HI. 96814 (Ala Moana)

Hours: Monday-Sunday Open: 11 AM to 11PM

In this week’s episode the Ramen Hunters ventured off to Hokkaido Ramen Santouka, located along the line of Don Quijote near Ala Moana. They offer both counter and table seatings. Diners are able to look into the kitchen as the only thing between you and the kitchen is a glass wall.

One thing to note about Santouka is how nice the interior is. It is a white based interior with rows and rows of ramen bowls presented on the wall. Very bright, Very appealing.

As mentioned in its name, Santouka offers Hokkaido style ramen. Some characteristics of a Hokkaido style ramen is in its soup. The broth taken from pork ribs makes a creamy broth that is different from other styles of tonkotsu ramen. Also its toppings, upon request you can add corn and butter which is common to add in a Hokkaido style ramen.

Ramen Hunter Takezo tried their Shio Ramen which is its most common and popular menu item. It is a Tonkotsu based ramen flavored with salt. But don’t get yourself confused, there shio ramen is packed with so much flavor! Not only salt, but there also flavoring from Konbu, or Kelp which gives a taste of the sea. This is Ramen Hunter Takezo’s favorite ramen shop in Hawaii so far, and I got to say I am pretty sure I seen tears in his eyes when he was eating his ramen…   So Delicious !

Shio Ramen (Takezo)

Ramen Hunter Natsumi ordered their shoyu ramen, and trust me when I say it tastes as good as it looks. Again this is not your average Shoyu ramen as it is also flavored with bonito flakes also known as Katsuobushi in Japanese. Hokkaido Prefecture in Japan is known for its seafood, and so it is also incorporated in their ramen to create a savory broth. Natsumi finished every last drop of its soup so you know its gotta be good ! She mentioned how the noodle is again different from an ordinary tonkotsu base ramen. The noodles are not as skinny, but has a nice texture that you can easily slurp.

Shoyu Ramen (Natsumi)

Here at Santouka they also offer a variety of combinations sets to go along with your ramen. Some include the charsiu loco moco or a side of gyoza but the one side I really recommend is the Shake Ikura Gohan. As I mentioned earlier, the Hokkaido prefecture is known for its fish and seafood. The Shake Ikura gohan is grilled salmon flakes and flavored salmon roe on top of a bed of rice. It is absolutely amazing, and I sometimes come to Santouka just to eat this dish. Salmon roe or salmon eggs is a special delicacy in Japan but here at Santouka you can try this for $5.80 on the side of your ramen. Still can’t imagine what it’s like?  We Ramen Hunters tried this out in this week’s episode so please take a look at the video by clicking on the link below !!!

http://tim302.com/podcast/f2015/ramen/episode 5 santoka.mp4

Rating:

Soup: 4.75/5

Noodles: 4/5

Service: 4.5/5

Value: 4.25/5

Overall: 4.38/5